At night, a senior hosts the students on his or her team, providing the group with more opportunities for socialization (under adult supervision, of course). While the competition primarily engages middle and upper schoolers, even 4th and 5th graders have an opportunity to participate in a limited capacity, whetting their appetite for further participation in later years. More unconventionally, Denver Jewish Day School places marked emphasis on the integration of academic subject matter into the competition through events like a quiz bowl in secular studies, Hebrew language and Judaics, science challenges, and “mathletics.” Others like lip-sync competitions and art contents allow those whose passion lies in the arts to contribute to their team’s success. More traditional challenges include tug-of-war, dodgeball and other sporting events that put a student’s athletic abilities to the test. During the four days of competition, 6th through 12th graders in two teams participate in a variety of events. Those at DJDS have included a helicopter landing on the school's quadrangle with both team captains in tow, the local fire department leading a fake fire drill, and a salsa dance performance-all planned by the Senior class. Generally, color war begins with an exciting “breakout” event. Students-especially those that lack confidence academically-learn that they can achieve in other ways, and the level of community-building is further enhanced by the variety of opportunities for success. The Jewish day school environment can often be an intense and competitive one such experiences, which are critical both socially and emotionally, show kids how to support one another even as they compete. Ultimately, the skills Denver Jewish Day School students gain through shared experiences like color war will benefit not just the school community, but the greater Jewish and world communities into which they graduate. “Particularly for those whose talents lie outside the classroom, shared experiences like color war provide students with alternative opportunities to thrive, take on leadership roles, and participate in a Jewish experience that appeals to them.” “We have always encouraged our students to stretch their horizons and become intentional participants in their own Jewish lives,” says Jerry Rotenberg, lead faculty supervisor for the event. It is a true endeavor in leadership, collaboration and teamwork. Though they begin planning the event as juniors, color war is organized and led by the school’s senior class, under faculty supervision. Typically held in March, toward the end of the third quarter, the four day event creates a forum for engagement with Jewish content and ideas, mastery of academic knowledge and the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Since 1984, when they first introduced color war to upper division students, DJDS faculty and staff have found that providing a setting for social comfort, fun and belonging in a nonacademic environment only enhances what students learn in the classroom. Traditionally, it’s the highlight of an intense summer filled with spirit, camaraderie and shared experiences.īut does this exemplar of “informal” education have a place in the Jewish day school environment? Anyone who’s ever attended a Jewish summer camp knows all about color war.
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